Target scoring system and method

ABSTRACT

A target scoring system ( 300 ) includes a recording medium ( 200 ) configured to receive a passing projectile. The system ( 300 ) further includes an indexer ( 306 ) configured to index the recording medium ( 200 ) by a desired distance. Additionally, the system ( 300 ) includes at least one data capturing device ( 302, 304 ) configured to at least capture image of a portion of interest in the recording medium ( 200 ) after a projectile is fired. Furthermore, the system ( 300 ) includes a data processing system configured to determine a distance between, a virtual centre in the portion of interest corresponding to a centre of target, and point of impact of the projectile on the recording medium ( 200 ).

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The disclosed subject matter, in general, relates to the field of target shooting, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to target scoring systems.

2. Discussion of Related Field

Target shooting is a very popular sport and is included in the Olympics as well. The sport has undergone numerous changes from its earlier years.

The sport of target shooting is carried out using various types of guns, such as, rifles, pistols and shotguns, among others. The objective of target shooting sport is to test the skill of the shooter to shoot at targets accurately. The accuracy, and in turn the skill, of the shooter is measured by the distance of point of impact of a projectile on the target from the centre of the target, often known as bulls eye. Closer the point of impact is to the bulls eye, the more accurate is the shot.

With the advent of modern guns and intense training, shooters are able to shoot at targets more accurately. Hence, it is of prime importance to score shots more accurately.

Various methods and systems are present to score shots. In one conventional technique, scoring is carried out manually. In this technique, scoring is carried out by visually gauging the distance of the point of impact from the centre of the target on a visually marked target. Further, manual gauges are also used for making finer measurements. It has been found that, the manual technique does not provide a very accurate form of scoring, due to manual intervention and repeatability issues caused thereof In addition, the time taken to allot scores in considerably high.

In another conventional technique, the drawbacks of the above mentioned technique are addressed to some extent by using electronic target scoring systems. In one such system, camera based technology is used. In camera based systems, a camera is placed either in front or back of the target. The camera is generally placed at a distance from the target, when the camera is placed in front of the target. The distance of the camera from the target contributes to the inaccuracy in measurement. Further, when the camera is placed behind or in front of the target, the camera is not perpendicular to the target as it lies in the line of fire. The skewed angle of the camera with the target results in parallax error, thereby negatively influencing the accuracy of scores.

In light of the foregoing discussion, there is a need for a relatively more effective target scoring system.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

Accordingly, the invention provides a target scoring system comprising: a recording medium configured to receive a passing projectile; an indexer configured to index the recording medium by a desired distance; at least one data capturing device configured to at least capture image of a portion of interest in the recording medium after a projectile is fired; and a data processing system configured to determine a distance between, a virtual centre in the portion of interest corresponding to a centre of target, and point of impact of the projectile on the recording medium.

There is also provided a method for allocating scores to shots, the method comprising: indexing a recording medium by a desired distance; capturing at least image of a portion of interest in the recording medium after a projectile is fired; and determining a distance between, a virtual centre in the portion of interest corresponding to a centre of target, and point of impact of the projectile on the recording medium

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the Figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary illustration of a target 100, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an exemplary illustration of a recording medium 200, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary schematic cross sectional diagram of a Target Scoring System (TSS) 300, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary flow chart of a method for allocating scores to shots, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 5 a illustrates a hole 502, which exists on the recording medium 200 even before a projectile is received at the current event, on the recording medium 200 within the portion of interest, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 5 b illustrates the portion of interest in the recording medium 200 indexed to a desired position to receive the projectile, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 5 c illustrates a hole 506 created by a passing projectile, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 5 d illustrates indexing of the recording medium 200 to enable capturing of the comparison image, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates calculation of distance between the hole 506 on the recording medium 200 and a virtual center 602 in the portion of interest, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an exemplary schematic cross sectional diagram of the TSS 300, wherein only one image-capturing device 304 is used, in accordance with an embodiment; and

FIG. 8 is an exemplary schematic cross sectional diagram of the TSS 300, wherein only one image-capturing device 304 is used to capture image of the portion of interest before and after the projectile is fired, in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show illustrations in accordance with example embodiments. These example embodiments are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments. The embodiments can be combined, other embodiments can be utilized, or structural, logical and electrical changes can be made without departing from the scope of what is claimed. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken as a limiting sense, and the scope is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one. In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive “or,” such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated.

In the sport of shooting targets, a shooter aims at a target and shoots a projectile (Example: Bullet). FIG. 1 is an exemplary illustration of a target 100, in accordance with an embodiment. The projectile upon hitting the target 100, creates a hole in the target 100 and passes through the target 100. Thereafter, the projectile hits a recording medium, thereby creating a hole in the recording medium. FIG. 2 is an exemplary illustration of a recording medium 200, in accordance with an embodiment. In the instant illustration, target 100 is not illustrated. However, it shall be noted that the target 100 to be aimed at will be in front of the recording medium 200. In this illustration, the projectile has created a hole 202 in the recording medium. The distance of the hole 202 from a virtual centre of the target 100 on the recording medium 200 is computed to score the shot. The scoring of the shot can be enabled by a target scoring system.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary schematic cross sectional diagram of a Target Scoring System (TSS) 300, in accordance with an embodiment. The TSS 300 includes the recording medium 200, a first image-capturing device 302, a second image-capturing device 304, a recording medium indexer 306. The first image-capturing device 302 and the second image-capturing device 304 can be provided in a body 308. The body 308 can include a front facing window and a back facing window 310. The front facing window allows the projectile to hit the recording medium 200 after hitting the target. The back facing window 310 allows the projectile to exit the body 308 after hitting the recording medium 200.

The indexer 306 indexes the recording medium 200 by a predetermined distance. The indexer 306 can accommodate the recording medium in the form of a roll over a shaft. A motor can drive the shaft.

The TSS 300 further includes a Data Processing System (DPS). The DPS is configured to receive data corresponding to the images captured by the first image-capturing device 302 and the second image-capturing device 304. Further, in an embodiment, the DPS provides instructions to the first image-capturing device 302 and the second image-capturing device 304 to capture images. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the DPS provides instructions to the indexer 306 to index the recording medium 200.

In an embodiment, the TSS 300 includes one or more sensors to sense that a projectile has been shot. The one or more sensors provide input to the DPS corresponding to the sensed signal relating to shooting of the projectile. The DPS, based on the input received from one or more sensors, provide instructions to the first image-capturing device 302, the second image-capturing device 304 and the indexer 306. The one or more sensors, for example, can be one or more of, sound sensor, vibration sensor and radiation based sensor, among others.

In an embodiment, the recording medium 200 is in the form of a continuous roll.

In another embodiment, a roller, simultaneously collects the recording medium 200, while being indexed by the indexer 306. The recording medium 200 rolled by the roller can be loaded into the indexer 306 and used for recording shots.

In an embodiment, the first image-capturing device 302 and the second image-capturing device 304 are a type of digital cameras that capture images of the recording medium 200.

In an embodiment, the first image-capturing device 302 and the second image-capturing device 304 capture images upon receiving instructions from the DPS to capture images.

In an embodiment, the first image-capturing device 302 or the second image-capturing device 304, is instructed to capture images when the virtual centre of a portion of the recording medium that has to be captured is perpendicular to the respective first image-capturing device 302 and the second image-capturing device 304.

In an embodiment, the first image-capturing device 302 or the second image-capturing device 304, captures images of a portion of the recording medium, as single or multiple line arrays. The images are combined to form the final image. It shall be noted that, such a methodology of capturing images avoids parallax error. The images captured are used to score shots.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary flow chart of a method for allocating scores to shots, in accordance with an embodiment. At step 404, image of a portion of interest in the recording medium 200 is captured to create a reference image. The first image-capturing device 302 captures the instant image. The first image-capturing device 302 can receive instruction from the DPS to capture the image, based on which, the image is captured by the first image-capturing device 302. The portion of interest in the recording medium, is the portion that corresponds to the target 100, when the portion of interest in the recording medium is eventually indexed to record passage of the projectile. In an embodiment, the recording medium 200 is indexed to enable capturing of the reference image. It shall be noted that, the portion of interest can include a hole even before it is indexed to the desired position to receive the projectile. This hole may have been caused during a previous event. FIG. 5 a illustrates a hole 502, which exists on the recording medium 200 even before the projectile is received at the current event, on the recording medium within the portion of interest, in accordance with an embodiment. Hence, the reference image captured at step 404 includes the hole 502 in this example.

At step 406, the portion of interest in the recording medium 200 is indexed to a desired position to receive a projectile. The DPS can provide instructions to the indexer 306 to index the recording medium 200 by a specific distance. The indexer 306 indexes the recording medium 200 based on the instruction received by the DPS. The recording medium 200 is indexed in the direction indicated by the arrow 504. FIG. 5 b illustrates the portion of interest in the recording medium 200 indexed to the desired position to receive the projectile, in accordance with an embodiment. It can be observed that the hole 502 has moved as a result of indexing of the recording medium 200. The indexer indexes the recording medium 200 to locate the portion of interest in the recording medium parallel to the target 100, and centre in the portion of interest corresponding to the centre of target 100, when the projectile has to be fired. In an embodiment, corresponding means the centre in the portion of interest corresponding to the centre of target 100 are in line, such that a line connecting the said centers is perpendicular to the plane of the target 100.

At step 408, the projectile is fired at the target 100. If the projectile hits the target, the projectile passes through the target 100 and thereafter through the recording medium 200. FIG. 5 c illustrates a hole 506 created by a passing projectile, in accordance with an embodiment.

After the passage of projectile is recorded on the recording medium 200, the recording medium is further indexed in the direction of the arrow 504, at step 410. It shall be noted that, a manual input can be provided to the DPS to indicate that the projectile has been fired. Thereafter, the DPS can instruct the indexer 306 to index the recording medium. Alternatively, the one or more sensors provided to sense that a projectile has been shot can provide input to the DPS, based on which, the DPS can instruct the indexer 306.

At step 412, image of a portion of interest in the recording medium 200 is captured to create a comparison image. The second image-capturing device 304 captures the instant image. The second image-capturing device 304 can receive instruction from the DPS to capture the image, based on which, the image is captured by the second image-capturing device 304. FIG. 5 d illustrates indexing of the recording medium 200 to enable capturing of the comparison image, in accordance with an embodiment.

At step 414, the reference image and the comparison image are compared. The comparison can be carried out by the DPS. At step 416, based on the comparison, if a new hole, such as, hole 506, is created by the projectile, then the same is identified. At step 418, the distance of the new hole, such as hole 506 (can also be referred to as “point of impact”), from the center of the target 100 is determined. This distance is used to score the shot. It shall be noted that, a point within the portion of interest in the recording medium 200 corresponds to the center of the target 100. The distance between such a virtual point and the center of the new hole is determined. The distance can be determined by the DPS.

FIG. 6 illustrates calculation of distance from a point of impact 506 on the recording medium 200 to the center 601 (Y, X) in the portion of interest, in accordance with an embodiment. The calculation of the distance from the point of impact 506 to the center 601 can be carried out by the DPS. The co-ordinates of the centre 604 of the point of impact 506 is (Y1, X1). For the purpose of ease of calculation, the centre 601 is moved by a fixed or known distance, ‘ID’ in X direction to obtain a virtual centre 602 (Y, DX). The DPS has determined both the centre of point of impact (Y1, X1) and the virtual centre 602 (Y, DX). Upon determination of these points, the vertical offset from the centre of impact X1 and the horizontal offset Y1 from the virtual centre (Y, DX) can be measured and determined The exact distance 606 between points (Y1, X1, and (Y, DX) is the distance between the centre 604 of impact of the impact 506 and the virtual centre 602. During image processing, this distance between points can be calculated in terms of pixels. The distance can be measured in terms of the number of pixels. A value can be allocated to the pixels, so the resultant distance is obtained in terms of the desired unit of measurement. The DPS can be configured to allocate a score corresponding to the distance between the points. The allocated scores can be displayed on one or more display units.

In an embodiment, if the recording medium 200 is not reused, then there will no prior points of impact the recording medium before the projectile is fired. In this scenario, the DPS need not compare the images prior to and after the shot is fired, as there is only a single point of impact. In this scenario, the DPS receives the image of the recording medium 200 after the projectile if fired. The DPS will be able to determine the centre 604 of point of impact, without utilizing the techniques of circle fitting. Upon determination of the center 604 of the point of impact 506, the distance between the centre 604 of the point of impact 506 and the virtual centre 602 is determined.

In an embodiment wherein the recording medium 200 is not reused, only one image-capturing device can be used. FIG. 7 is an exemplary schematic cross sectional diagram of the TSS 300, wherein one image capturing device 304 is used, in accordance with an embodiment. In this embodiment, image of the portion of interest in the recording medium 200 is captured only after the projectile is fired. Thereafter, distance between the point of impact from the virtual centre on the portion of interest is computed.

In an embodiment, even when the recording medium is reused, only one image-capturing device can be used for scoring. FIG. 8 is an exemplary schematic cross sectional diagram of the TSS 300, wherein one image capturing device 304 is used to capture image of the portion of interest before and after the projectile is fired, in accordance with an embodiment. The required images are captured by establishing relative motion between the image capturing device 304 and the recording medium 200. The relative motion can be established by moving one or more of the recording medium 200 and the image capturing device 304. In the instant example, the image-capturing device 304 can be traversed back and forth along the direction of the arrow 802.

It shall be noted that image-capturing device is a type of data capturing device. The phrases “image-capturing device” and “data capturing device” is used interchangeably. Further, it shall be noted that other types of data capturing devices can be used to enable the embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Such data capturing devices, can include sound capturing devices. The sound capturing device can capture reflection of sound waves to ascertain topography of the recording medium 200. It shall be noted that the term “images” is not limited to data captured and processed by image-capturing device, but also include data captured and processed by other suitable data capturing device, such as, sound capturing device, to ascertain topography of the recording medium 200.

Additionally, while the process described above and illustrated in the drawings is shown as a sequence of steps, this was done solely for the sake of illustration. Accordingly, it is contemplated that some steps may be added, some steps may be omitted, the order of the steps may be re-arranged, and/or some steps may be performed simultaneously.

The example embodiments described herein may be implemented in an operating environment comprising software installed on a computer, in hardware, or in a combination of software and hardware.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the system and method described herein. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Many alterations and modifications of the present invention will no doubt become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art after having read the foregoing description. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. It is to be understood that the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the personally preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given. 

I claim:
 1. A target scoring system comprising: a recording medium configured to receive a passing projectile; an indexer configured to index the recording medium by a desired distance; at least one data capturing device configured to at least capture image of a portion of interest in the recording medium after a projectile is fired; and a data processing system configured to determine a distance between, a virtual centre in the portion of interest corresponding to a centre of target, and point of impact of the projectile on the recording medium.
 2. The target scoring system according to claim 1, wherein the indexer is configured to index the recording medium to locate the portion of interest in the recording medium parallel to the target, and centre in the portion of interest corresponding to the centre of target, when the projectile has to be fired.
 3. The target scoring system according to claim 1, wherein the indexer comprises at least one motor and the recording medium, wherein the motor is operated to index the recording medium.
 4. The target scoring system according to claim 1, the at least one data capturing device is configured to capture image of the portion of interest in the recording medium before the projectile is fired.
 5. The target scoring system according to claim 4, wherein the data processing system is configured to compare the image of the portion of interest in the recording medium after the projectile is fired and the image of the portion of interest in the recording medium before the projectile is fired to determine point of impact of the projectile on the recording medium.
 6. The target scoring system according to claim 1, wherein a first data capturing device is configured to capture image of the portion of interest in the recording medium before the projectile is fired.
 7. The target scoring system according to claim 1, wherein a second data capturing device is configured to capture image of the portion of interest in the recording medium after the projectile is fired.
 8. The target scoring system according to claim 7, wherein the data processing system is configured to compare the image of the portion of interest in the recording medium after the projectile is fired and the image of the portion of interest in the recording medium before the projectile is fired to determine point of impact of the projectile on the recording medium.
 9. The target scoring system according to claim 1, wherein the data processing system is further configured to: instruct the indexer to index the recording medium by desired distance; and instruct the at least one data capturing device to capture one or more images of the portion of interest in the recording medium.
 10. The target scoring system according to claim 1, further comprising one or more sensors to sense whether the projectile has been fired, wherein the one or more sensors is configured to provide input to the data processing unit.
 11. The target scoring system according to claim 10, wherein the data processing unit provides instructions to the indexer and the at least one data capturing device based on the input received from the one or more sensors.
 12. A method for allocating scores to shots, the method comprising: indexing a recording medium by a desired distance; capturing at least image of a portion of interest in the recording medium after a projectile is fired; and determining a distance between, a virtual centre in the portion of interest corresponding to a centre of target, and point of impact of the projectile on the recording medium.
 13. The method according to claim 11, wherein indexing comprises indexing the recording medium to locate, the portion of interest in the recording medium parallel to the target, and centre in the portion of interest corresponding to the centre of target, when the projectile has to be fired.
 14. The method according to claim 11, further comprising capturing image of the portion of interest in the recording medium before the projectile is fired.
 15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising comparing the image of the portion of interest in the recording medium after the projectile is fired and the image of the portion of interest in the recording medium before the projectile is fired to determine point of impact of the projectile on the recording medium.
 16. The method according to claim 11 further comprising sensing whether the projectile has been fired.
 17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising providing instruction to index the recording medium and capture one or more images based on the sensing of whether the projectile has been fired.
 18. A target scoring system as herein above described in the specification with reference to figures.
 19. A method for allocating scores to shots as herein above described in the specification with reference to figures. 